Rudding Park, venue for the 2013 renewal
With the 2013 renewal of the Ryder Cup Challenge fast approaching, the venue has now been confirmed and the captains have finalised and announced their teams. The big change this year is that, after some considerable discussion, it has been agreed that the competition be expanded to accommodate 12 players per side – a positively UEFA-esque decision, the merits of which we will be better able to assess when hostilities get underway at Rudding Park on the 24th of May.
Rudding Park, near Harrogate in Yorkshire, certainly looks like a top-notch venue – in addition to its par 72 Hawtree course it boasts a six-hole short course, replicating famous par three holes from around the world, on which the players are planning a little warm-up fun on the Thursday before the event.
The expansion naturally mean a few new faces, and there are also one or two notable absentees from near the top of the all-time lists including Callaghan (N) and Cole (S). It looks set to be a very competitive renewal. The teams in full, with handicap marks, are as follows:-
The North, hosts
- Jimmy Curley (Captain) – 18
- Mark Wallis (Vice Captain) – 24
- Graham Copley – 28
- Peter Forster – 8
- Daren Mountain – 18
- Phil Lister – 16
- Steve Hardwick – 17
- Jack Horner – 12
- Ady Clough – 24
- Steve Tattersfield – 11
- Rick Oakes – 15
- Joe Curley – 28
The South, visitors
- Mark Wallis (Captain) – 18
- Gavin Whitworth (Vice Captain) – 16
- Ben Moyle – 18
- David Bell – 28
- Kevin Ulla – 14
- Paul Ephremsen – 15
- Paul Soanes – 22
- Paul Rich – 18
- Jim Holliday – 16
- John ‘Elvis’ Clements – 18
- Martin Johnstone – 18
- Damien Thorngate – 14
Finally we also have some brief quotes from the respective captains or their delegates. Mark Wallis, leading the South, had this to say
Kevin our lowest handicapper at 14 but this is a team that will bring the Cup to the South! Bring it on!!
And this from the Foz and Steve representing the North
Looks a good team, well at least good enough to carry our bags. Only joking boys of course. Looking forward to the 6th Ryder Cup.